Local Fair Housing Law Expansions

In the past few years, urban city councils across the U.S. have created laws defining new protections around how housing providers select renters. 

In Washington D.C., Cook County (Chicago), and Detroit, these laws define how and when housing providers can use criminal records in making housing decisions. 

How it works

At a high level, these local laws require housing providers to make an initial decision to rent to applicants prior to viewing criminal history reports. Housing providers can only view applicants' criminal history information once they've made a conditional offer to rent. 

What you should know

Each locality has different rules around what types of criminal records a housing provider can use to factor into a decision to decline an application. Some areas allow applicants with criminal convictions to provide evidence of their good conduct and rehabilitation if they do have recent criminal history.  If you were declined an application due to factors associated with your consumer reports, the property manager is responsible for issuing you a formal notice outside of Apartments.com to comply with Fair Housing Laws. You can learn more about your rights and these new laws from your local Fair Housing Alliance or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

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